NJDOT to replace Central Avenue/Island Road overpass in MahwahBridge deck over Route 17 at MacArthur Boulevard interchange
to be replaced in stages

(Trenton) - NJDOT officials today announced a bridge deck replacement project on Central Avenue/Island Road over all lanes of Route 17 in Mahwah, Bergen County. The overpass provides grade separation at the interchange of Route 17 and the local roads, Central Ave/Island Road and MacArthur Boulevard.

NJDOT’s contractor, Konkus Corporation, is beginning preliminary construction activity this week including sign installation and site mobilization. During the initial stage of construction the contractor will remove the existing sidewalk along the northbound side of the bridge, in advance of the traffic shifts necessary in the subsequent stages of work.

NJDOT will replace the bridge in stages, maintaining one 10-foot wide lane of traffic in each direction on Central Avenue/Island Road at all times, utilizing traffic shifts. Based on the traffic shifts required to complete the work while keeping the bridge open, it will be necessary to detour large truck and bus traffic - any vehicle wider than 8 feet - around the interchange.

• All westbound truck traffic will be detoured to Route 17 northbound to the W. Ramapo Avenue interchange to U-Turn onto Route 17 southbound back to the Central Avenue/Island Road interchange.
• All eastbound truck traffic will be detoured to Route 17 southbound to the N. Franklin Turnpike interchange to U-Turn onto Route 17 northbound back to the Central Avenue/Island Road interchange.
• NJDOT will maintain all travel lanes on Route 17 in each direction below the overpass during peak period hours. However, single-lane closures may be necessary on Route 17 during off-peak hours.
• The signed detours will remain in place for the duration of construction.

The approximately $2 million federally-funded project will replace the existing, structurally deficient bridge deck running over Route 17 and make some minor repairs to the bridge abutments and central pier. The bridge was originally built in 1956 and has deteriorated over time, requiring reconstruction. The roadway approaches on either end of the bridge will be resurfaced and some curb and guide rail upgrades will be made. The project is anticipated for completion in spring 2014.

The Department held a public information center earlier this month to provide interested residents and business owners with the opportunity to review exhibits of the project, ask questions and discuss issues with representatives.

The precise timing of the work is subject to change due to weather or other factors. Motorists are encouraged to check NJDOT’s traffic information website www.511nj.org for real-time travel information.